Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Press Box

A pack of NMU runners.

SOMERS, Wis. – The Northern Michigan University cross country team wrapped up the 2012 season at the NCAA Midwest Regional on Saturday (Nov. 3) as the Wildcats finished eighth out of 23 teams with 245 points. The women ran 6-kilometers at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

“We had a good day but not a great day today,” NMU coach Jenny Ryan said. “We ran well with fast times but we have such a strong region and everyone ran fast.”

Grand Valley won the meet with 45 team points. Also qualifying for the NCAA Championship was Saginaw Valley State (110), Ferris State (134), Southern Indiana (147) and Bellarmine (154). Hillsdale and Northwood also finished ahead of NMU.

Junior Mallory Celaya was the first Wildcat across the finish line in 22:23, good for 34th place. Freshman Mary Kate Cirelli was 17 seconds back in 47th. Junior Mandy Dye finished two seconds and three places behind Cirelli in 50th.

“We have such a great group of young women,” Ryan added. “Six of our top seven and nine of our top 10 are returning next year and we moved from 11th in the region last year to 8th this year so the future is bright for NMU cross country.”